Quick answer
In Hawaii, registration is required for: Undocumented vessels principally used in Hawaii that DOBOR requires to title and register, including motorized vessels; manually powered kayaks are optional, while kayaks with motors of 5 HP or greater and e-foils must be registered and titled. Registration is handled by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR), is valid for 1 year (annual renewal), and fees are summarized as $20.00 to $40.00; purchase tax or local add-ons may still apply.
Official source: Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) · Source status: Verified · Last checked in site data: August 10, 2026 · All official state agencies
Vessel Types & Exemptions
In Hawaii, registration is required for: Undocumented vessels principally used in Hawaii that DOBOR requires to title and register, including motorized vessels; manually powered kayaks are optional, while kayaks with motors of 5 HP or greater and e-foils must be registered and titled. There are 2 categories of exempt vessels.
Registration is required for: Undocumented vessels principally used in Hawaii that DOBOR requires to title and register, including motorized vessels; manually powered kayaks are optional, while kayaks with motors of 5 HP or greater and e-foils must be registered and titled
Exempt from registration:
- Federally documented vessels (exempt from state registration)
- Non-residents with valid home-state registration for up to 60 days
Registration Fees & Costs
Hawaii boat registration fees can depend on vessel length, type, and other agency rules. Current state data summarizes them as $20.00 to $40.00. Sales/use tax: DOBOR fees are separate from Hawaii GET/use-tax treatment, which can depend on the transaction and county surcharge. Title fee information: $20.00.
| Vessel Class | Reg. Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|
| New registration < 20 ft | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| New registration 20+ ft | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Annual renewal < 20 ft | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Annual renewal 20+ ft | $35.00 | $35.00 |
Sales Tax: DOBOR fees are separate from Hawaii GET/use-tax treatment, which can depend on the transaction and county surcharge
Title Fee: $20.00
How to Register Your Boat in Hawaii
To register a boat in Hawaii, follow the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) process and complete registration within 20 calendar days after ownership transfer. Online renewal is available; new purchases and ownership transfers must be completed in person with DOBOR. Registration is valid for 1 year (annual renewal).
Registration can be completed:
- Online services: Use the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) portal for services the agency lists online; original documents may still be required for title or ownership transactions.
- In Person: At your local Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) office
- By Mail: Download forms from the official website
Documents to Check Before Filing
- Completed state registration application form, if the official agency requires one
- Ownership evidence such as a bill of sale, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), title, or prior registration
- Valid photo identification when required by the filing office
- Tax or fee payment documentation where applicable
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) details or inspection when requested by the official agency
Hawaii Boat Title & Title Transfer
Hawaii title rules: All undocumented vessels primarily used in Hawaii (vessel titling implemented July 1, 2021). Title application fee: $20.00. Title transfer fee: $30.00.
Title required: Yes — All undocumented vessels primarily used in Hawaii (vessel titling implemented July 1, 2021)
Title application fee: $20.00
Title transfer fee: $30.00
Documents to Check for Title or Ownership Transfer
- Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (new vessels)
- Previous title (used vessels from titled states)
- Bill of Sale or registration document from previous state
- Valid photo ID
- Late title fee ($40) if after September 30, 2022 and untitled
For a detailed guide on the title transfer process, see our Boat Title Transfer Guide.
Buying or Selling a Boat in Hawaii
If you are selling a boat in Hawaii, give the buyer a signed bill of sale, current registration records, and any title or ownership documents required by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR). If you are buying, do not rely on the seller's word alone: match the Hull Identification Number (HIN) on the paperwork to the boat and confirm whether liens or title defects exist before paying.
| Transfer item | What to prepare in HI |
|---|---|
| Seller | Signed bill of sale, current registration, and release of interest. If a title document or electronic title release is required, sign or release it exactly as the agency instructs. |
| Buyer | Photo ID, application, payment for registration fees, tax if due, and proof of ownership. Verify the HIN before filing. |
| Title | All undocumented vessels primarily used in Hawaii (vessel titling implemented July 1, 2021). Title transfer: $30.00. |
| Tax | DOBOR fees are separate from Hawaii GET/use-tax treatment, which can depend on the transaction and county surcharge. |
For buyer and seller paperwork, use the boat bill of sale template, check how to look for liens, and compare boat title transfer fees by state.
Hawaii Boat Registration Renewal
Validity period: 1 year (annual renewal)
Hawaii boat registration renewal follows the same agency channel as initial registration. Online renewal is available; new purchases and ownership transfers must be completed in person with DOBOR. Renew before the expiration date to avoid operating with expired registration.
For more details, see our Boat Registration Renewal Guide.
Boater Safety Education Requirements
Hawaii requires a boater safety course. Operators of motorized vessels in Hawaii state waters must complete a NASBLA and State-approved safety course and carry proof; PWC/thrill craft operators must be 15+ and certified. The minimum age to operate a vessel is 15.
Required: Yes
Who must complete it: Operators of motorized vessels in Hawaii state waters must complete a NASBLA and State-approved safety course and carry proof; PWC/thrill craft operators must be 15+ and certified
Accepted courses: Hawaii-approved courses, NASBLA-approved online providers
Course cost: Varies by provider
Minimum age to operate: 15 years old
Registration Number Display Rules
Number format: HI 1234 AB
Minimum font height: 3 inches minimum
Font style: Block letters, contrasting color to hull
Placement: Both sides of bow, forward half
Sticker placement: Adjacent to the registration number as directed by DOBOR materials
For federal rules on registration number display, see our Number Display Rules Guide.
Hawaii Boat Registration FAQ
How much does it cost to register a boat in Hawaii?
Do I need a title for my boat in Hawaii?
Is boater education required in Hawaii?
Can non-residents operate boats in Hawaii?
What are the launch ramp fees in Hawaii?
Are there new rental vessel rules for 2026?
Start Your Registration
Ready to register your boat in Hawaii? Visit the official Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) website or use our tools to estimate costs.
Related Resources
This information is provided for reference purposes only. While we strive to keep data accurate and verified for 2026, registration requirements and fees may change. Contact the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) at 808-587-1970 for the most current information.